The Traneumentary: Anton Fig (commentary)
Elvin Jones’ drumming featured on the John Coltrane Quartet recording A Love Supreme is legendary. Listen to drummer Anton Fig (Late Night with David Letterman) talk about Elvin’s masterful play on this commentary podcast episode from The Traneumentary series. Read more
Jim Hall and Pat Metheny Duo Redux
In 1999, guitarists Pat Metheny and Jim Hall released a historic duo recording. The result was a fulfilling musical meeting featuring the father of modern jazz guitar and one of his most skilled disciples who has achieved his own legendary status. Read more
The Traneumentary: Ashley Kahn
Ashley Kahn brilliantly breaks down the John Coltrane classic A Love Supreme in this popular Traneumentary episode. Read more
Celebrating Woody Shaw on Columbia
Woody Shaw’s albums on Columbia Records stand as some of the finest for the late trumpeter and composer. Woody recorded for Columbia from 1977-1981 and it was during this time that he become recognized for his unique voice as a band leader, composer and as a stylist on trumpet, coronet and flugelhorn which in turn solidified his spot in the legacy of brilliant jazz trumpeters. Read more
Jazz Backstage: Chick Corea
Is there anything musically that Chick Corea can’t do? I don’t think so. Chick, who is a youthful 70 if you can believe it, could not be more busy, in demand and relevant to the jazz scene today. It is truly remarkable when you think of how many aspects of the music’s rich legacy Chick has been an active participate as well as a trailblazer and today, he still continues to push the limits of himself and the music. Read more
Celebrating Joni Through Herbie
Earlier this week Joni Mitchell celebrated her 68th birthday. And although she is not officially considered a jazz artist in the traditional sense it is no secret that she loves the music and has always incorporated a variety of aspects of it in her work… Read more
The Traneumentary: Charles Tolliver
Multi-talented trumpeter and bandleader Charles Tolliver shares his very personal story about John Coltrane – the man and his music. Read more
Rudy Van Gelder Reminisces
For anyone who loves and knows recorded jazz the name Rudy Van Gelder is a familiar one. Rudy has produced and recorded some of the greatest jazz albums of all-time and will forever be recognized as a leader in engineering, producing, recording and documenting much of the music’s greatest moments. Read more
Jazz Backstage: Al Jarreau
Al Jarreau won the Grammy® for Best Jazz Vocal Performance in 1977 for the album Look To The Rainbow. The album’s success and award placed Al on the map as the leading and innovative jazz singer of the day. One of the album’s highlights was Al’s brilliant vocal interpretation of the Paul Desmond classic “Take Five.” Read more
The Traneumentary: Dave Liebman (bonus)
Saxophonist Dave Liebman’s enthusiasm for John Coltrane is infectious. You sit with Dave for a minute and bring up Coltrane and boom…his motor starts and you are treated to a wide range of facts, insights and personal reflections that are simply mesmerizing. Read more
The Traneumentary: Dr. Billy Taylor (bonus)
It was a sincere privilege and honor to have Dr. Billy Taylor as the host & voice of the Traneumentary. When I originally contacted him to ask if he would be interested in participating, he had no idea what a podcast was but he was intrigued by the idea that this new broadcast medium could expand the audience of John Coltrane’s music. He generously agreed and provided a wealth of insight as well as encouragement to me and the production. Read more
The Traneumentary: Michael Cuscuna (bonus)
When I interviewed each of the subjects for the Traneumentary podcast series, I prepared to conduct two kinds of interviews. The first interview was more traditional where the subjects shared their personal recollection on how Coltrane impacted their life. The second interview was less structured and was designed to be more in the moment and ripe for improvisation. That’s how many of the ‘track commentary’ episodes came to be and for me, they are the essence and the heart beat of the whole Traneumentary series. Read more
